Memorial High School 
English Department


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Expository Writing  (2006-07)

Welcome to Expository Writing

Objectives:

1.  Prepare students for the types of writing that may encounter in college.  
2.  Review and enhance understanding of basic rules of mechanics and usage.  
3.  Expose students to a variety of writing genres.  
4.  Challenge students to develop a more mature, complex style.  
5.  Enhance students’ understanding of how to write and properly document a research paper.

Utensils:

1.  Two 3 ring binders:  one for class and one for Senior Memory Book  
2.  Pen / pencil, highlighter, paper, binder for class work, and later a binder for final exam project.  
3.  5 dividers and label:  notes, in progress writing, completed writing, research paper, and final exam     
4.  Disk or memory stick (I recommend both)  
5.  Novel—to be discussed later.

Binder:

1. Keep binder neat and organized; include all work on each assignment.  
2.  Bring binder to class daily; I reserve the right to collect and grade it on any day--without notice.
3.  Save all drafts.  
4.  You should keep all final exam work in the proper section of the classroom binder that comes with    you daily; you will not transfer it to your final exam binder until you are ready to submit it at the end of the semester.

Tests/Quizzes:

1.  We will not have tests, but quizzes may be given at any time--with or without warning  
2.  Quizzes must be taken (or at least scheduled) the 1st day back or you will receive a 0.

Papers:

1.  You will write.  As a writing class, our focus is on improving your writing through practice .
2.  Turn in two copies of each assignment; attach any drafts.  
3.  Mark your work as instructed--we will discuss this later (you will receive an additional handout) Points will be deducted for a failure to properly mark your work.  
4.  Include the proper heading and title--on everything.  
5.  All essays should be typed (see #6) .
6. When necessary, you may submit a legibly written, double-spaced, single-sided essay.  Double the length requirements to compensate for handwriting (ex:  a 2 page essay is now 4 pages).  The highest grade you may earn, however, is a 74% (1).  I suggest you use the option sparingly.
6.  Essays must be turned in when I collect them or you must submit your late pass.  If you use your late pass, essays are due the following day by 7:35AM even though we do not meet that day.  
7.  Every essay requires you to follow the expectations of good writing as given (see additional   handout); specific instructions or other modifications will follow with each assignment.  
8.  All assignments not submitted during class time must be given to me or Mrs. Schneider (room 214). 

Please do not put assignments in our mailboxes.

Grades:

1.  We will use the school’s grading system.  
2.  All points count; grades are not weighted.  
3.  Each quarter is 40%, and the final exam is 20% of the semester grade.

UE Bridge Program:

1.  UE offers three hours of credit for Writing 104 at a cost of $150.  
2.  It is your responsibility to see if the hours transfer to the college you plan to attend.  
3.  You must earn a 4 or better in this course to receive credit.  
4.  Regardless of if you plan to take the class for college credit, we will all visit UE to do research at their library.

Absences:

1.  If you are truly ill, stay home; if not, come to school.  
2.  Refer back to my procedures regarding completing make-up work.  
3.  Understand if you are in the building at all that day (even if you are not in my class), your paper is due.  
4.  Again, please do not put work in my mailbox.  Submit to me or give to Mrs. Schneider (Room 214).

A Word about What We Do:

During our time together we will focus both on creative writing --descriptive and narratives, for example--and academic writing--literary/film response as well as a research paper and other types of analytical writing.  We will do a variety of short pieces as well as some lengthy ones.  You will write a lot.  In addition to your assigned essays throughout the semester, you must constantly work on your Senior Book that will be your final exam grade.  Thus, you should never say that you have nothing to do for this class.  Please remember that you must earn a credit in this course to graduate.  You must earn it.  I do not give them out for free!

Heading Papers

The following information will be single spaced in the upper left corner.
Name
Expository Writing
Due Date
Writing type (narrative, descriptive. . .) and draft (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
           
--Double Space—
Center Title
           
--Double Space—
Begin Essay.  Double space essay but do not space between paragraphs.
Remember to use one-inch margins on all sides and to meet the length requirements.  Use the quarter fold to check length.

If You Need Me:

If you need to contact me outside of the regular school day, feel free to email:  kcarroll@mhs.evansville.net                                                                                                                        
THANKS
Mrs. Carroll